JVP-backed Union to organize general strike in June

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 11:08 GMT]The Sinhala nationalist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) backed National Trade Union Centre (NTUC) has planned to launch a general strike in June to protest against the failure of the government led by President Mahinda Rajapakse to honour the pledges given to the working class during the presidential election, sources said.

The date for the strike is likely to be decided when the executive committee of the NTUC meets on June 24, according to party sources.

The JVP planned a general strike under its leadership in February this year. But it was called off following the assurance by the government that it would introduce a rectified salary circular by April 25 together with JVP proposals.

However, the government has issued a circular without any consultation with the JVP affiliated NTUC.

JVP sources said that Mr. Rajapakse and Prime Minister Mr. Ratnasiri Wickremanayake have failed to respond positively when the JVP pointed out the failure of the government in honouring its assurance.

Hence, the decision is taken to launch an island wide general strike in June. The general strike would bring the entire government machinery to stand still until the government implement its promises, said Mr. Piyasiri Wijenaike, JVP parliamentarian who is in charge of trade union activities.